Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Tennessee

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Tennessee law says

Itemized deductions	Deductions must be supported by a written listing of damages with estimated repair costs. The tenant has the right to inspect: after a request to vacate, or within 5 days of the tenant's notice to vacate, the landlord may notify the tenant of the right to attend the inspection. At a mutual inspection, both parties sign the listing, and their signatures are conclusive evidence that it is accurate. A tenant who refuses to sign must list in writing the items they dispute. The landlord may inspect alone if the tenant left without written notice, abandoned the unit, was judicially removed, did not respond, did not show up, or did not request an inspection. In that case, on the tenant's written request, the landlord must send a copy of the listing by certificate of mailing. The deposit may also be applied to unpaid rent. Official T.C.A. is published only via LexisNexis; text verified on a public mirror of the code (FindLaw, current as of Jan. 2, 2024; older than 2025). URLTA counties only. A tenant who schedules an inspection and then misses it waives the right to contest the damages, if the lease states this waiver. Source: T.C.A. 66-28-301(b), (e)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute. Deposit charges must be based on the tenant's liability for physical damages, supported by a written listing of damages with estimated repair costs; the tenant may attend a move-out inspection, and the signed listing is conclusive except for items the tenant disputes in writing. The deposit may also be applied to unpaid rent and other amounts owed. The statute does not specifically address cleaning, painting or carpet charges. Official code not freely readable online; text verified on a public code mirror (code year 2024). Source: T.C.A. § 66-28-301(b), (d)-(e), (g)

Itemized deductions

Deductions must be supported by a written listing of damages with estimated repair costs. The tenant has the right to inspect: after a request to vacate, or within 5 days of the tenant's notice to vacate, the landlord may notify the tenant of the right to attend the inspection. At a mutual inspection, both parties sign the listing, and their signatures are conclusive evidence that it is accurate. A tenant who refuses to sign must list in writing the items they dispute. The landlord may inspect alone if the tenant left without written notice, abandoned the unit, was judicially removed, did not respond, did not show up, or did not request an inspection. In that case, on the tenant's written request, the landlord must send a copy of the listing by certificate of mailing. The deposit may also be applied to unpaid rent.

Official T.C.A. is published only via LexisNexis; text verified on a public mirror of the code (FindLaw, current as of Jan. 2, 2024; older than 2025). URLTA counties only. A tenant who schedules an inspection and then misses it waives the right to contest the damages, if the lease states this waiver.

Source: T.C.A. 66-28-301(b), (e)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute. Deposit charges must be based on the tenant's liability for physical damages, supported by a written listing of damages with estimated repair costs; the tenant may attend a move-out inspection, and the signed listing is conclusive except for items the tenant disputes in writing. The deposit may also be applied to unpaid rent and other amounts owed. The statute does not specifically address cleaning, painting or carpet charges.

Official code not freely readable online; text verified on a public code mirror (code year 2024).

Source: T.C.A. § 66-28-301(b), (d)-(e), (g)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Tennessee tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.